There has been a lot of speculation surrounding Anthony Joshua’s return to top form after facing four supposedly subpar opponents to rebuild his mental strength. Despite his four-fight winning streak leading up to a title challenge against IBF champion Daniel Dubois, many doubts linger about Joshua’s ability to handle the pressure.
The Trigger for Past Trauma: Dubois
The looming challenge of facing Daniel Dubois has raised concerns about Joshua’s mental fortitude, especially in light of his two previous defeats against Oleksandr Usyk. The fact that Dubois is a young apex predator with a powerful punch could potentially trigger traumatic memories for Joshua, especially if he starts landing heavy shots in front of a massive crowd at Wembley Stadium.
Critics argue that Joshua’s victories over fighters like Francis Ngannou, Otto Wallin, Robert Helenius, and Jermaine Franklin do not prove that he is fully rehabilitated after his losses to Usyk. These opponents have been labeled as ‘tomato cans’ and are thought to have not challenged Joshua enough to truly test his skills and resilience.
A List of Opponents to Prove Himself
To silence the doubters and prove that he is back to his best, Joshua would need to face heavyweights like Oleksander Usyk, Tyson Fury, Agit Kabayel, Jared Anderson, Daniel Dubois, and Martin Bakole. Only by defeating top-tier opponents can Joshua fully demonstrate that he has returned to his former glory.
If Dubois manages to drag Joshua into a prolonged and grueling fight, there is a real possibility that Joshua could mentally and physically fall apart. The pressure of facing someone with Dubois’ power and determination could be too much for Joshua to handle, especially considering his recent struggles in the ring.
A Test of Joshua’s Resilience
The outcome of the upcoming fight against Dubois will be a true test of Joshua’s resilience and mental toughness. If he can withstand the onslaught and emerge victorious, it will be a clear sign that Joshua has overcome his past traumas and is ready to take on the best in the heavyweight division. However, if he falters under the pressure, it could be a major setback in his career.
The doubts surrounding Anthony Joshua’s return to top form are legitimate and warranted. While he has shown flashes of brilliance in his recent fights, the true test will come when he faces a formidable opponent like Daniel Dubois. Only time will tell whether Joshua is truly back to his former glory or if he still has work to do to reclaim his status as a dominant force in the heavyweight division.